Puncak Borneo’s stunning caves, waterfalls potential for ecotourism growth, says MP

KUCHING (Sept 21): Puncak Borneo has significant potential to emerge as a key ecotourism destination, thanks to its vast network of caves, said its MP Datuk Willie Mongin.

He revealed that around 30 caves within the constituency have been identified for their potential to be developed into ecotourism attractions, offering unique experiences for nature enthusiasts.

According to him, the biggest cave ‘Ta’ang Raya’ (Raya cave) is located between Kampung Bratan and Kampung Simbuh in Puncak Borneo.

“The Raya cave’s chambers can easily accommodate seven units of Boeing aeroplanes,” he says, adding to the list of some other well-known caves in the parliamentary constituency such as the Fairy Cave and Wind Cave in the Bau district.

“The Rembang Cave at Kampung Emperoh Karu here, on the other hand, boasts beautiful rock formations with a river flowing through it,” he said, anticipating it to be a hot spot for nature lovers, hikers and extreme sports enthusiasts.

Alongside Puncak Borneo’s famous getaway haven above the clouds at Kampung Sapit in the Padawan district, the MP said his constituency also has other best ecotourism destinations such as the four hot springs located in Kampung Annah Rais and Kampung Panchor in Siburan, and Paku in Bau.

On top of that, there are 38 other waterfalls within the areas, out of which the most widely known is the Ulu Bengoh’s waterfall, dubbed by the locals as Sarawak’s very own ‘Jurassic Park’.

Seven other waterfalls, according to Willie, are located at Kampung Assum and Kampung Sadir in Padawan.

In regards to the prospects for this nature-based tourism, he lauded the Padawan Adventure 4×4 Club for hosting the Rembang Cave Expedition which he deemed can drive local economic development for the folks at Kampung Emperoh Karu.

He also announced an RM100,000 grant for the construction of a 3km farm road leading to Rembang Cave at Kampung Emperoh Karu here.

“I hope the grant for the farm road project will bring socioeconomic benefits for the villagers,” he said when launching the Rembang Cave Expedition starting from Kampung Emperoh Karu, near here today.

Willie, who also took part in the expedition, drove his own 4×4 vehicle, joined by some 100 other participants.

Another RM10,000 allocation, meanwhile, was handed over to St Matthew’s Church, Kampung Emperoh Karu for its development programmes.

Village chief Noing Sijim expressed his gratitude to the parliamentarian for the farm road construction project that would bring benefits to the local community and the state’s tourism sector.

Padawan Adventure 4×4 Club president Ramces Tawang, meanwhile, highlighted the club’s mission in helping the local community through such off-road programmes and adventure.